craigdailypress.com

Craig — When he walked into the Daily Press office, Collin Smith's laid-back demeanor was noticed by several in the office.

"Don't let that fool you," editor Jerry Raehal said after watching him during a three-day interview. "He will go after a story."

Smith started Monday as the government and business reporter for the Daily Press, covering city and state news.

"I am very glad to be here, and I'm excited to get started," Smith said. "I aim to represent the whole community at all times."

Smith first appeared in the June 28 Daily Press with a story about developments at Moffat County Social Services after a state review found problems with child safety.

"We're excited to have him," Raehal said. "He has a great work ethic and a willingness to learn. I think he'll be a great fit for Craig."

Smith graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in December 2006 with a bachelor's degree in journalism. While in college, he worked with several professional news outlets, including "Face the Nation" at CBS News in Washington, D.C., and Texas Monthly, a National Magazine Award-winning publication based in Austin.

Smith also spent time in the office of a Texas state representative handling health and human services issues. His duties there were as part of a three-member team that handled constituent questions and complaints regarding city and state agencies.

"I only hope that I can draw on my experience to ensure that I am the reporter Craig deserves," Smith said.

He was eager to make the move to Colorado to start work at a daily newspaper because it is something he has not done before. Even while working in broadcast and at a magazine, finding a good place to work as a daily print reporter was always his goal.

"The Daily Press has a clear commitment to innovation and community representation," Smith said. "Those things above all attracted me to this job over others. I'm really looking forward to meeting the people here and being a part the community."